Demonstrating Leadership for Racial Equality in Development
November 17, 2020 | < 1 Minute ReadIn the current racial climate, organizations are wondering how to deepen efforts for racial equality. In this article Victoria Cooper shares four goals for leaders seeking to build a more equitable, inclusive organization.
This post originally appeared on Devex.
It’s clear that the United States, along with countries around the world, is reckoning with systems of racial inequality. Chemonics and many other organizations in and outside of the development community are examining and taking action to uproot racism in their headquarters, through their processes, and in the communities in which we live and work across the globe.
As an African-American woman and as a member of Chemonics’ senior leadership team, I feel compelled to reflect deeply and act thoughtfully to shepherd change. With four decades of development work experience in West Africa, I’ve lived and raised my children on both sides of the Atlantic. I understand that the distinct racial challenges that the U.S. faces don’t always look the same or fully resonate with our colleagues and partners in other parts of the globe.
Yet, despite sociocultural differences, I’m reminded of one lesson that applies to diversity, inclusion, and equality efforts regardless of the sector or the geographical location, and one that is particularly fitting for the development community … Read the full blog post on Devex.
Posts on the blog represent the views of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of Chemonics.
